POSTGAME NOTES: Posey taken out with back spasms; Pagan wants to #BeatLA

First, the news: Buster Posey left with back spasms that he felt while he was running to first base on a groundout in his final at-bat. “We don’t think it’s serious,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “We’ll check on him tomorrow.” Bochy said Posey could start Tuesday night if his back feels fine. Either way, he’s in a good position when it comes to the race for the batting title.

Before exiting, Posey went 1 for 4, dropping his average from .337 to .336. But he still has a significant advantage over Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who was 1 for 3 on Monday to remain at .329.

— As for the game, well, Matt Cain was on a predetermined pitch count of 75. He hit 68 after five innings and that was that. Bochy was happy with the way Cain threw in his final regular season, and so was Cain. He really has had a very, very good career, and this likely was his best season yet. Cain had a career-high 16 wins and 193 strikeouts, and set a new low with a 2.79 ERA. He’s simply been a rock from start to finish.
“I feel like I stayed consistent and got on a good routine early and really tried to stick to that,” Cain said of his season. “The guys really, really picked me up in a lot of ways and gave me more than enough run support.”

It’s really been remarkable to watch the way Cain works. This is my first year, and I’ve tried to be needlessly early to most games. Most of the time, I get to the park way, way too early and see Cain running on the field. Doesn’t matter if it’s home or away, he’s getting his running in. He even did it bright and early the morning after his perfect game.

So he’ll go back to his routine, and that’s a very good thing for the Giants, who certainly won’t be out-gunned heading into their postseason opener.

— The game story can soon be found here and includes Angel Pagan’s early bids for the quote of the month. Pagan wasn’t shy about the Giants’ desire to knock the Dodgers out of the playoffs, especially after it was pointed out to him that the fan base would like nothing more than to watch their Giants eliminate the rival Dodgers.

Pagan had slumped over the last week but said he feels fine, and he had a double tonight to get the Giants back in the game. He said this series is exactly what the Giants needed.

“This was very intense,” he said. “The adrenaline is going to be high and the pitchers are going to be good. That’s something we’ll face in the playoffs.”

(By the way, while I’m talking about “________ of the month.” A couple of people have asked me when the “Month That Was” blog post will be put up. I’m cramming on some postseason features, so I’m behind on everything. Will get September’s recap up as soon as I can, though it could be a while. Hell, we might have quite a few games in October to recap, too.)

— Props to the guy at Dodger Stadium who was shown on Kiss Cam, looked at the girl next to him, and quickly started pounding his beer.

The opposite of props to the other guy who 30 seconds later proposed to his girlfriend on Kiss Cam. She didn’t look pleased. Good. DON’T PROPOSE ON KISS CAM.

— We’ve seen a lot of bad “sends” from opposing teams this year. That one on Adrian Gonzalez in the sixth inning might have been the worst.

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— On a positive Dodgers note, it was entertaining to watch the way they ripped Elian Herrera’s jersey off and then Luis Cruz immediately took his jersey off so the skinny rookie wouldn’t have to celebrate topless. Those are the types of moments that bring teams together. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, they’re probably coming together a couple of weeks too late.

— Tip of the hat to the A’s. Seriously, that’s a phenomenal story.

— Since it might be a while before we get to September GIFs of the month around here (don’t worry, I’ve saved them all), here’s an impressive clip from the first day of October. Thanks to @carmenkiew for a clip of this ridiculous reaction by Brandon Crawford…

Alex Pavlovic

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Might need to give Posey a day and let him pinch hit to keep his bat warm.

South City Jim

That was a terrible read by the third base coach on that single by Victorino. Nady had the ball and Gonzalez had barely reached third. Interesting send with Mr. Clutch, Babe Cruz on deck.

brabon99

kudos to melvin and the a’s…the real moneyball team

a’s can create a winner in oakland

all they need is a real ballpark

lew, sell the club to someone who cares…cuz you aint getting sj

SurfCity

I’d really like it if the Giants were in position to knock out the Dodgers in tomorrow’s game. It would just be a sweet thing for fans. I think it would give a little spur to the team too.

Foothills Ryan

The Black Keys just rocked Fresno, missed the game.

With a playoff bound A’s squad, Carl should drop by and say hi. One last guest appearance?

Mike

Sigh Posey is having back spasms. That’s very painful if you’re in the squat nine innings.

We’re foolish if we keep our franchise player at catcher long term. The injuries will continue to take their toll on him.

Rebel

Protecting the avg. at all costs Mike no worries!

Maui Fan

Great Comeback tonight, but a little short. Let’s end LA season on Tuesday and rest everyone for Saturday.

Cain – Mad Bum to start the Play offs sounds Great to me.

Go SF Giants!

Believe

Is it just me, or do the 2012 As feel like the 2010 Giants?

PACMAN68

Congrats to the A’s. I smell MONEYBALL 2 sequel.

Hitman

“Adios pelota”. One and done for the Gnats in the playoffs! Heh,heh,heh!!!

Really?

The “Hitman”, a troll who gets up at 7am to get into our Giant website? Really? I don’t think so. This Hitman is an imposter, an immature Giant fan who wants to ruffle some feathers. Besides, the real Hitman never used any sort of punctuation. Nice try Jr.

Really?

The A’s? REALLY?

Lefty

Hitman is often up early, aren’t you, Hitman? Last week he was telling other posters to “get back to work” at 6:41 a.m.!

However, he IS math-challenged. The Giants are not “one and done.” Because they WON THE DIVISION, they get to play at minimum, THREE playoff games.

“One and done” is a good description for winning the wild card under the new formula. Not that the Dodgers will need to worry about that–because “one and done” is also a good explanation for their situation right now. “One” Cardinals win or “one” Dodgers loss and they are “done.”

Then it’s “adios”

…Adrian
…Hanley
…Victorino
…Kershaw
…Kemp
…Magic
…Lasodra!

totalfan62

Yeah, Hitman: way to be a good Blue Boy. We would have expected nothing else. What are you and all the other Dogs fans gonna do for sports entertainment now? I guess you could get into your NFL team…oh, that’s right–you don’t have one!

Don’t go away bad, Hitman…just go away!

Keep’n It Real

A’s fans need to put down the crack pipe (Are the A’s like the 2010 Giants?). Great year…waaaaay over expectations…but playoffs are a whole different deal. In a “Best of” series, a well-coached opposing team really expose the weak spots of a team.

Even with their incredible success, no way the A’s win a 1 game WC playoff (if they don’t win division), then 2 series against the Yankees, Tigers, Rangers. and/or Orioles, then against the NL Champ. Not going to happen.

On the bright side, this winning…and the crowd(s) they get at the Oakland Coliseum…is really going to put a wrinkle in Lew Wolff’s “I can’t draw in Oakland” strategy.

stealYOURface

I do believe burriss was put in the game for one reason: Bochy was giving him a chance to show if he had learned in Fresno how to read a move and get a good jump. He proved he still can’t. The Manny is fast myth is meaningless. Dude is a clueless base runner. That sealed his fate. Won’t be on postseason roster.
Which is great. I have visions of him missing the bag rounding third and being out on appeal. Or an act of similar incompetence.

http://www.thewisdomcow.blogspot.com The Wisdom Cow

Shameless way to set up Buster’s DNP for today.

littleMike

hItMaN,
shut up and go away
heh, heh, heh…….?

Matthew

Lefty, Excellent early morning use of “Lasodra”! Classic…

My favorite takeaway from last night is the Pagan quote. Though he is new to this rivalry this year, it is nice to see that he has adopted it so seriously. Especially given that they boys seem to have lost a bit of their edge over the last 4 games.

I hope Angel can stir up some excitement in the clubhouse today and the team rides it to a big win. This is such a weird dynamic this season, clinching so early…we’re not used to it, the players aren’t used to it. I just hope that they ride great pitching in the first two at home and all is righted on the Good Ship Giants.

I know that we can sit here and say ” as professionals payed millions, they should be motivated every night”… But human nature, and the relief of the clinch are going to have some effect… It remains to be seen if this brief respite is followed up by a roll through the 3 rounds or not.

I love the make up of this team, and the pieces seem to be in place. Let’s roll!

http://www.thewisdomcow.blogspot.com The Wisdom Cow

So, ESPN has a “why the Giants won’t win it all” article, which I felt compelled to begin reading. Just a few paragraphs in it read, “Hunter Pence has turned back into the average outfielder that he was prior to last year.”

Like his All Star 2009 season with Houston? I guess it was just being on an east coast PHI squad that made him special last year.

Not sure I am going to keep reading.

totalfan62

KIR: On the A’s, I don’t know about all that but it put a smile on my face to see the fans celebrate making the playoffs. Beane and Melvin have to be in the discussion for executive/manager of the year, given what they have done with limited resources.

All five AL playoff teams now finalized, but division winners/wild cards still to be determined. Sure hope the BoSox stand up and show some professionalism by making the Yankees work for it. I’d like nothing better than to see Yankees in a one-game WC playoff…and lose it. Nice return on your investment of $210MM+…NOT!

Keep’n It Real

@TWC

Paul Swyden is a former Rockies writer and now reside out of Boston; according to my web search. This give him 2 strikes in the integrity department in my mind. He probably used to defend the Rockies against criticism of different balls for home and visiting team ABs.

Keep’n It Real

@Totalfan62

I’m a huge Melvin fan. I was kind of hoping the Giants picked him up (around the time they picked up Bochy), but everything happens for a reason.

I get the feeling Billy Beane wasn’t supposed to even come close to Executie of the Year. I wonder if Lew let’s him display the award (if he wins it) in his office.

http://www.thewisdomcow.blogspot.com The Wisdom Cow

I hear the A’s might even sell out one of their home games if they host any. Who needs San Jose?

Say Hey

By the way, Crawford has bad hands. I read it here so it must be true.

That GIF is amazing. I’m glad Bochy is leaning toward keeping the infield defense front and center in the playoffs.

Congrats to the A’s and the Orioles. I’d love to play either of those in the Series, but then I’d love to play anyone in the Series. I just hope Posey is okay, that Cain and Madbum step up like they did in ’10, and Pablo, Pagan and Pence decide the playoffs would be a real fun time to get hotter than hell. In ’10 I felt like we could shut anyone out any given game with our starters – I don’t feel that way any more.

orangeandblack

This is EXACTLY why you clinch early – so your top guys can get the maximum rest and rehab. While I really want to BEAT LA!, I could care less if it means Posey is playing if he needs rest.

Good to see the Gmen back to playing clean hard baseball. Let’s get more great pitching, defense, and hits and KILL THE BUMS!

fooj

Wisdom Cow-
You could see something was wrong with Posey as he hit the bag running to first. Nothing “shameless” about that. Geez…

Skweezplay

Not a great night when you’re shut down by Aaron Harang.

Skweezplay

Gotta love those Oakland A’s! We saw when they played the Giants that they were playing with a ton of emotion and total team dedication. I thought it was odd that any of their players cared beyond personal stats. I wondered what I would have done if the front office had traded away every quality pitcher and just about every other quality player and left me with a bunch of untested kids.

Watching the A’s has been an inspiration. That they could play an entire 162-game schedule and come out ahead of the big money Albert Pujols/Weaver/Greinke/second-coming-of-Joe-Dimaggio-Trout group is absolutely mind-blowing.

And now they are challenging for the division and will be in at least a one-game wild card playoff.

There really isn’t a bigger story in baseball, in my view.

Leonard Bonilla

OK I am going to say this and I know I’ll get hammered by the mob for it. I don’t think the Giants will get past the first round unless the starting pitching becomes dominant again. They have been inconsistent at best and it appears the offense is cooling off at the wrong time. They have been leaving men on base to often which they didn’t do during their runaway with the division started. The Bull pen has not been stellar and the fact that they do not have a closer is going to hurt them. WE will miss Wilson. As far as I am concerned, Wilson should have been the MVP in the World Series and the Playoffs.

Casillia cannot hold a one run lead, Bochy should have never put him in there. He hasn’t been the same since the first half of the season. IT’s going to Mat Cain and pray for rain.

PACMAN68

Leonard Bonilla

I think you have a very strong point. But I think you can say that about the Reds, Nats and Cards. No team has looked unstoppable or is playing very hot baseball right now. I think the Giants have a fighting chance.

Hottest team in baseball is probably the swinging A’s. They look like a team of destiny.

Lefty

Comments on the A’s: Yeah, watch out for them. I was flipping back and forth between the two games last night, and those three bullpen guys who were pitching the 7th-9th were just nasty. If they either win the division or make it through the wild card game, I’m not sure what AL team could stop them. No team has been hotter for the last several months. Now, the World Series is a different story because the best teams in MLB are in the NL this year. Also, thanks to (cough, cough) Pablo Sandoval and Matt Cain, the NL has home field advantage again.

Keep’n It Real

@Lefty

I respect your watching if the A’s (I can’t do it…1989 +Lew Wolff), but I think it will be a different ball game (no pun) when the A’s go from “happy-go-lucky” and “no one expected us to be here” to pressure packed situations in the playoffs where you go home until Spring Training.

Lefty

I switched right over to the end of the A’s game after the Dodgers won last night, but Kuiper said today on KNBR that the Dodgers “were celebrating like they’d won the pennant” and the Giants were watching them. I hope that rachets up their intensity tonight and they take better ABs. They were hacking away like it was May last night.

Kuiper also had an interesting take on the possible playoff roster: If the Giants put Whiteside on the roster, they could use Hector as their Pinch Hitter Supreme and not need either Huff or his designated pinch runner. That would also allow them to carry another pitcher. (I still think it will be Huff because of Bochy’s loyalty to him. But Burriss did not make a case for being the pinch runner last night.)

I didn’t have a problem with Casilla pitching in a tie game in the ninth. It was a meaningless game for the Giants, after all. After using him mostly as a setup guy, Bochy had Casilla in a save situation the other day. Casilla got the save, but it was a bit shaky. I’m sure Bochy wants to have it clear in his mind how he might use his Committee during the playoffs. He was collecting useful data last night. Also, he probably didn’t want to use Ropez (Lomo?) in a tie game that might go extra innings.

http://www.thewisdomcow.blogspot.com The Wisdom Cow

I was parenting, and others wrote it was a wink, wink injury for the BA title, so I went with it. Why?

Well, the alternative is that Buster, as I only wrote a couple hundred times the past month, should have been rested instead of pushed for the early clinch. I’m gonna keep hoping it was a ruse for the off day to not get criticised.

Regular, consistent off days is the way to do the marathon of the season, not push them to the brink, then extra rest the week before needing to be at their best. Now, odds are some will be rested but lack their timing, OR, worst case, you see muscle spasm, hammy tweaks, and other conditioning related injuries.

So, I apologize if I’d prefer it to be a shameless faked injury.

Lefty

KIR–I only really started paying attention last week when they were playing in Texas. I’d do the same at this point in the season with any baseball team that’s an interesting story, and the A’s are certainly that this year, along with the Orioles.

Leonard, Pacman beat me to the punch! You are not far off, but I personally think that we have the potential ( scary word) to be much better than the other NL combatants.

Our starters have been spotty, but we have seen them shine. Plus, it’s easy to see the positives of the other teams rather than the negatives, as we get the filtered versions, and aren’t invested as deeply… I mean, we argue amongst ourselves about the virtues of Peguero versus Burriss, and I’m sure the same happens on those other teams as well… Is DeRosa going to be part of the Nats 25? Can Cincy’s starters get them to Chapman? Etc.

I’ll only be ready to say the hitters are going into a funk if it occurs in the playoffs. If so, it could be that quick exit… But this is a plucky bunch, so hang in there!

Lefty

KIR: See? I can hold a grudge, too (2002 Angels).

Keep’n It Real

@Lefty

LOL

Hitman

@20: Put on your big boy pants! Heh,heh,heh!

Hitman

@16: If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch! Heh,heh,heh!! Keep feeding me, i love out thinking you ladies!!

ClutchUp

I have zero apologies for congratulating THESE A’s because I said the reverse when Billy hired Geren when Ron Washington was the proper choice. Bob Melvin and Chili Davis have helped turn this yrs Billy acquisitions into winners. Injured Brandon Inge is being given credit by his peers as making a difference. Josh Donaldson was reemed for early season errors. Gutsy move to pick up Drew, move Pennington to 2nd and demote Jemile. If anyone is a fan of just good baseball and yet still denies that what is going on isn’t special then Oh Well. I’ve disliked Beane in the past and loved the Haas family and Steve Schott and detested Wolf and Fischer but I could never let that sway my judgement of what took place right in front of our eyes. Negative predictions of them losing one game should not cloud ones common sense. After the 14 inning loss to the Yanls most teams would have folded.

Hitman

Hey Gnat posters, who is your number 2 starter after Cain in the playoffs? Hmmm? Heh,heh,heh!!

http://www.thewisdomcow.blogspot.com The Wisdom Cow

Who’s starting for the Dodgers in the post season?

Keep’n It Real

@ClutchUp

I don’t think anyone said anything negative about congratulating the A’s.

Me personally…I can’t watch them because they are the Giants’ Bat Area competitition and I detest Lew Wolff. My choice, my feelings, etc. I wouldn’t judge anyone that can watch them. Now if someone starts cheering for the A’s over the Giants here…

http://www.thewisdomcow.blogspot.com The Wisdom Cow

Serious, semi-off topic, save the results must be similar . . .

My 5 yr old got a “I hayt you” note in her KINDERGARTEN cubbie. Kindergarten! It’s entirely probable she got said note for being a tattle tail (we’re working on when it’s okay and when it’s better to stay quite), but still . . .

I imagine the culprit will grow up to be a troll.

When I am High Lord Chancellor of the Independent Nation of Northern California, trolling will carry a severe penalty, sterility. Perhaps a Darwinistic approach to the problem would serve future generations.

Keep’n It Real

@TWC

When you are High Lord Chancellor of the Independent Nation of Northern California, can you…

* Implement public floggings for taggers/graffitti artists? Maybe flogging for the first couple offenses, then something a little more harsh?

* Make anyone coming in the Grocery Store Express Line with too many items pay for everyone else’s groceries (in that line)?

* Impound Commuter Lane cheater’s cars and force them to take public transit for a month?

CB the DodgerH8ter

Congrats to the A’s. Any Giants fan that hates the A’s has a hole in their head. You can hate A’s fans. But how could you hate this team?

Serious question…..

Can Cain pitch on three days rest? Why not go three man rotation and stick Volgs and Zito in the BP?

Maybe give Posey a day off today. With Hector catching Lincecum anyway and play Belt or Pill at 1B. And Posey can catch Vogey for 5 innings tomorrow, hopefully gather 1 or 2 hits and then give him the rest of game off and hopefully the Batting Title in his hands and rest him up for the playoffs that starts this weekend. Bleed #blackandorange

JC

A’s have had an incredible run, similar to our 2010 season with all their comeback and walk-off victories with a bunch of young guns and misfit veterans in there. But they still will need to win the next two games to win the division, otherwise they are most likely going to Baltimore or New York to play a one game playoff. So it could be one and done for them still in this dream season. But they deserve props and credit for what they have accomplished this season with that group of guys and young pitchers, nonetheless.

South City Jim

CB, could happen in the NLDS. Teams have gone with three starters int he five game series. It will depend on where they stand after three games. If they’re up 2-1, then Zito or Vogey go game 4. if they’re down 1-2, then good chance Cain goes in game 4. If they make it to the NLCS, then they go with 4 for sure.

I hope they go Cain and MadBum in 1 and 2. If in fact Timmy goes game 3 like everyone’s speculating, then I hope he’s on a REALLY short leash.

South City Jim

There’s a good chance MadBum is throwing a bullpen today. Here’s hoping he has his delivery issues worked out. Go Giants!

ClutchUp

Keep’n It Real says: October 2nd, 2012 at 9:59 am 45..@ClutchUp
I don’t think anyone said anything negative about congratulating the A’s.

KIR: There was quite an exchange the other night. Myself and ChannelClemente and another tremendous board contributor.

Growing up, taught to admire baseball but root for the Giants and 49ers it was also suggested why to occasionally respect the accomplishments of an Al Davis, John Madden, Dick Williams and Larussa. I admired Bill Kings craft and he worked for seemingly everyone. Lon Simmons worked for the Haas Family and the Haas family was like the Moribito family, Franklin Mueli and Eddie Debartolo. I like to watch the so called ‘enemy’ teams and find out how they do things and with that comes admiration at times. (Keep your friends close and your enemies closer) Finley for example belongs in the HOF but he bothered many vanilla types with his pioneer-type vision.

There is room for two baseball teams & the A’s did rule the east bay in 1972-1973 and 1974, although they came late to the Bay Area (1968).

A’s are dumb for celebrating last night. You’re going to see the Rangers play hard like you’ve never seen before tonight to avoid a winner take all game for the AL West Wednesday.

Jstreet

Finally I have something in common with Buster Posey. Unfortunately, it is back trouble. I wish him well.

And as always, Go Giants. Or as Flounder so aptly put it at the start of a big party, “oh boy! This is great!” Let’s go Gi-ants!

Jstreet

Cutch at 11:20 – I grew up the same way. We who were raised in the Bay Area in the 40s, 50s, 60s are indeed lucky to have such memories. And a wealth of broadcasters and writers who’ve shared with us.

ClutchUp

CB the DodgerH8ter says: Serious question…..Can Cain pitch on three days rest? Why not go three man rotation and stick Volgs and Zito in the BP?

CB: They’ve already talked about they could/might do that if they are 1-2 heading into game 4 but Rags, Gardy and Bochy have a tendency to treat all games in a balanced ‘not-too-high-too low’ format.

I have a 2-0 “wish” for games 1 and 2 but Dusty coming back to AT&T will have his men ready. Phillips loves triples alley. Cincy plays hard especially the little every day things like taking out guys hard to break up double plays. Chris Speier is a great asst/bench coach coaching for Cincy ala Matt Williams in ARZ and Brett Butler the Skipper of the Dbacks Reno Aces.

I’m prepared for a 1-1 split. I remember game two vs. ATL when we scored three in the bottom of the first (Burrell 3RHR) and one in the bottom of the second (Ross Dble/Cain Rbi single) with Cain on the bump (Timmy having won 1-0 the day before) and in control. In the T6th Derrick Lee’s single + Burrell error landed Lee at second and McCann drove him in. (4-1). Then in the T8th things went ATL’s way. Romo gives up back to back singles to Lee and McCann. Wilson enters to face Melky Cabrera and Uribe throws his ground ball away (E5) Lee scores and McCann reaches second … Conrad bunts both guys down and Gonzalez doubles them both in off of Wilson. (4-4) Kimbrel throwing gas B8th, three up three down. (Huff-Posey-Nate) T9th Wilson three up three down. B9th Kimbrel, gas, three up-down (Uribe,Pablo,Ross) T10th Ramirez three up/down. B10th missed opportunities off Wagner and Farnsworth: Drag bunt single by Rento, Sac bunt by Andres, Freddy HBP, Huff 5 pitch walk-bases loaded-Posey 5-4-3 DP. T11th Ramirez: Ankiel HR (may have been in the Cove) (5-4) B11th Farnsworth: Nate F8, Uribe single, Ishikawa F9 and Ross pop to SS.

Torture and or nail biting will return in NLDS with Dusty’s group. Hope for the best but prepare for a 5 game series

South City Jim

I too, like Mike, think the A’s may have gone a bit overboard last night. The difference between the one game WC or going right to the 5-game ALDS is huge, and M. Harrison is one tough hombre’.

But I’m reminded of the 1981 Raiders who were out at all hours of the evening/early morning Super Bowl week while the Eagles were on a strict curfew, and the Raiders kicked their butts. We shall see. Big advantage tonight for Texas with Harrison vs. Blackley, but if the Rangers don’t get it done tonight, A’s are looking good.

michael

I was never taught NOT to root for the A’s or Raiders…..I was mostly taught by my San Francisco Native dad that nothing existed on the other side of the bridge!! ;>)

J Street: Hope your back AND Buster’s feel better through the playoffs! Personally I identify with Huff and his cranky knee! Thinking of hiring an errand running and around the house chore doing caddy!

@Mike and @ SCJim: I thought of that also but above at 6:42 Melvin is asked a pointed question of “not celebrating too much” and thus I will defer to his take on thes situation.

Remember this team is sooooo loose that when Reddick broke his 0 for 30 streak the guys in the dugout “called for the ball” 8)

channelclemente

CU,

the A’s are the last team anyone in the AL playoffs wants to play. If I remember, the A’s have swept all of them except maybe the Tigers, since August…some of them in their house.

Tehachapi Tapeworm

I realize we’re mostly thinking about the playoffs at this point, and I know W-L records aren’t how you measure pitchers, but when was the last time a team had four starters with 15 win seasons? Cain and Madbum already have 16 wins. If Zito and Volgelsong each win their final starts they’ll have 15 a piece. I’m no baseball historian but seems to me that’s a pretty rare feat. Big deal or not? GO GIANTS!!

kyle Perizi

I hope when the A’s move to Sacramento, that they’ll be allowed to keep the A’s, as their team name.

When will the A’s start trading away players from this current roster?

Heh, Heh.

ClutchUp

So Happy that this ‘man’ was sentenced. Kids who witness behavior like this from their coaches or parents are sent a terrible message.

It would have been nice to knock out the Dodgers last night but such was not the case.

Like some of the other Giant pitchers lately, Casilla seemed to be to predictable last night and got hit. All pitchers must vary their pitches, types, speeds, and location to be most effective.

I am surprised that Bochy is playing Posey the whole game, The best way to handle his situation is to give him 3 ABs and then take him out. He gets his rest and that gives him the best chance to win the batting title. Posey’s average his first 3 ABs is much higher than his 4th and 5th ABs over the last week or so. A small sample size, but maybe he is getting a little tired during the latter part of the season. I would play him today for 3 ABs and tomorrow for 3 AGs. Since the Giants don’t play again until Saturday, that will give him 2 days off between the last game and the first play off game, enough rest but not too much rust.

Pitching will most likely determine who wins series in the playoffs and Cain looked real sharp last night. Now if the other starters can pitch like that, the Giants should be in good shape to get deep in the playoffs.

It IS a big deal. Dave Flemming has talked about it quite a bit. These are Righetti/Gardners “boyz” and they are very protective and like proud fathers of their Magic Five. That is why I personally disagree with Leonard Bonilla who says the pitching is suspect.

The totality of what the Starting Staff has done is amazing. Eric Hacker is the only other starter to grab a start (6.2 innings) during the first week of the season until Petit grabbed the Fan Appreciation day start. Somebody Cincy also has a starting staff that has pitched every start.

Every starter has hit a wall several times this year for SF and several starters have hit several walls but the potential for four 15 game winners is unique.

Way back in the day in 1971 the Baltimore Orioles had Dave McNally win 21 games and Mike Cuellar, Jim Palmer, and Pat Dobson each won 20. Pat Dobson was a special assistant to Sabean for 9 years before he died at the age of 64.

South City Jim

Not to mention it now appears that the starting five will start 160 ballgames. Only been accomplished a handful of times. Remember, in 2010 Martinez and Wellemeyer were in the mix early.

If Oakland wins today, Lew Wolf might have to take the tarps down. No kids in school and nobody would be at work.

Wolfs rather idiotic quote last night with Kuiper Bro’s mic in Wolfs face: “Wow, they all look so young” Of course Lew knew nobodys name.

This would catapult new owners to buy from Wolf-Fischer and build at Jack London Square (Andy Dolich) 8)

Skweezplay

You don’t NEED to pitch on three days rest. And it doesn’t work out.

http://mercurynews.com Red Hook

Anyone else having trouble with the Mercurynews web site?

Keep’n It Real

ESPN Chat:

Mike (Reno)
Ok, I admit I’m a biased Giants fan, but when looking at MVP, there really can’t be a choice other than Buster Posey right? Molina is a better defensive catcher yes, and played more innings, but like Stark has been saying, only Bonds, Walker, and Brett have had 2nd halfs like Posey. Plus they won their division, not simply a Wild Card or no playoffs, and let’s not forget, this is all from a guy who missed more than half of last season!!! Am I biased or just realistic?

David Schoenfield
(2:10 PM)
But the first half counts as well. Not sure why it’s more valuable to have a good second half or good September as opposed to a good first half or good April. If Molina doesn’t have a big first half maybe the Cardinals are looking up at the Dodgers right now. Anyway, Posey WILL win, and is certainly deserving. I think any of Posey, Molina, Braun, McCutchen would be worthy MVP this year.

South City Jim

Skweezplay,

Given that Vogey and Zito will be available I don’t anticipate Cain going on three days rest, but it’s a possibility…been done before. If memory serves me right, the Snakes won a WS in 2001 with Johnson and Schilling both pitching on three days rest, in fact, Johnson pitched five innings on three days rest in game six (blow out), then came back the very next day and pitched in relief in game seven. Not optimum, but definitely possible.

Keep’n It Real

More ESPN Chat…

Andrew (WI)
It’s too bad Melky was in the NL. If he was in the AL and his shenanigans led to Miguel Cabrera’s triple crown and subsequent MVP, the Internet might actually self-combust.

Keep’n It Real

More…

Scott (SF)
Best in-game manager? To me, it’s Bochy hands down. Giants fan, though, so admittedly biased. To me, his moves (and granted, I see their games, so I see his all of the time, not the other managers) seem to make more of a positive impact to win games, and I rarely see his moves backfiring. Thoughts?

David Schoenfield
(2:31 PM)
Wouldn’t disagree. Never seems like the other manager is one step ahead of him (like, say, Don Mattingly or Ron Washington). Showalter has done a great job with the Orioles, but in-game strategy is arguably a little easier in the AL.

Keep’n It Real

More…

Adam (Cincy)
In your opinion, Who is your Game 1 and 2 starter for the Reds, if they do end up in S.F. those first 2 games?

David Schoenfield
(2:46 PM)
I’m pretty sure they’ll go Cueto/Latos, although I wrote after his no-hitter that you could make the case for Bailey going in Game 2 since he’s been so much better on the road.

Keep’n It Real

more…

Chris (Nevada)
Do people realize that the Giants are secretly an offensive juggernaut? Okay, that’s a bit strong, but they lead the NL in runs scored on the road.

David Schoenfield
(3:10 PM)
Exactly. Without any production from LF since Melky went down, they’ve been scoring runs.

South City Jim

Latos goes tonight. We’ll see if he’s on a restricted pitch count.

channelclemente

CU,

maybe Beane made so much money from the movie, he doesn’t need the 5% anymore and is enjoying a joke on Wolf/Fisher. In any case, the A’s are a major surprise to a lot of folks. I started being interest in them about a week or two after the AS break, there was just something stirring. It’s like someone forgot to copy them on the memo about how bad they were supposed to be, and Melvin’s moves were often odd on the face of it, but you started to see a little Bochy (imo) in them. Especially in his BP management and the way he brought young guys along to finish strong. Then there’s Reddick, sort of Huff 2010 in a diaper.

South City Jim

Regarding post #77, let me correct something. Johnson pitched on regular rest for game six and Schilling pitched on three day rest for game seven, but Johnson did relieve in game 7 and got the win.

fuddyduddy

Why is there such strong assumption that it will be Giants vs Reds rather than Giants vs Nats?
I know Nats have tie breaker, but to me they have been playing worse than Reds and only need to lose 1 more came than the Reds over the next 2. I heard Reds player say they wanted the num 1 seed. If I were them, I’d rather travel to Atl or St Lou than SF. So, even though the Nats are playing Philly and Reds are playing St L, I expect the Nats will travel to SF to play the Giants Sat & Sun.

channelclemente

fuddy,

you’re right about the Nats. They HATE AT&T, given that literally all their power is to RCF, and Giants pitching, except lincedoofus, vector hits to that part of the ballpark.

South City Jim

Nats are set though…Gonzalez and Zimmerman will be well rested.

Foothills Ryan

Joining in late…

‘lincedoofus’ ?

ouch.

ClutchUp

I heard Tony call in to radio 740 KCBS at 815 a.m. today during the John Madden show and although he spoke highly of Yadier and says he has MVP credentials – Larussa said all things point to Buster.

CC,
There are quite a few similarities to 2010 Giants on how the Beane acquistions also felt like they had something to prove; They were chippy about their past reputations and felt pi$$ed at some of the parting shots taken by their former employers.

Inge for example was a potential Giants pickup at one time but his health issues would have inflamed Giant fans. Instead to a MAN, guys like Gomes, Reddick, Suzuki and others said Inge became the clubhouse glue and those guys supporting Inge could care less what the outside world thought. Inge was like DeRosa of 2010 but instead of A’s fans throwing salvos at him vis-a-vis “he’s garbage” and “why is he even on the team” (think Burriss and Christian) – they LISTENED to how his teammates revered him and they said “Oh Okay”.

Theriot was and is revered by his teammates, taking nothing away from Scutaro. Donaldson was the laughing stock of the league and a couple of days ago he started playing 3base like Brooks Robinson.

Guys like Burrell, Ross, Uribe, Renteria, DeRosa, Lopez, Ramirez, Freddy, Huff, Ishikawa, Rowand (yes Rowand) Wilson and the starting Pitching had a few chips on their shoulders and the mixture of castoffs and missfits brought games 163 through game 177 brought “The Magic Inside”

phil

On a not so unrelated topic. Linsecum loses 30 pounds over the winter and cant throw a fastball over 90mph, mmm wonder why?

fuddyduddy

Phil — Lincecum threw several fastballs over 90mph!
on good days, many hit 94 on speed gun

more good news (as hm would say heh heh heh)

Combined With Recent ESPN Deal, Total MLB National TV Revenue Will More than Double

FOX to Continue Broadcasting World Series and All-Star Game Through 2021
Turner and FOX to Split LCS and Division Series
MLB Network Acquires Two Division Series Games from FOX…

ClutchUp

phil says: On a not so unrelated topic. Linsecum loses 30 pounds over the winter and cant throw a fastball over 90mph, mmm wonder why?

* I think Stan is keeping track of 55′s weight issues, but one thing is for sure – the entire – lost – gained weight issue regarding the accuracy of said story is completely out of wack. “Words like emaciated”, “His ribs are protruding” as well as others doesnt match up with writers who have seen him shirtless who say he is about as yoked as a 160-175lb skinny skater’s body can look. He got UP to 190+++ and came out and said the strain on his joints and tendons was painful. I think he has the right to say what does and doesn’t feel good.

* His issues are WHAT routines ARE or NOT keeping him fit – not the actual weight on a scale. Items are pointing to him needing to realize heading towards his 29th birthday, that he needs to find a FIT for him and his style of attacking hitters. We can seculate with the best of them here on GE – but Dave Groeschner and the training staff have him and all the pitchers on iso drills that are patterned differently for each and every pitcher. No two are alike. Doubtful that ANY pitcher is failing due to lack of effort or current conditioning. Changes in conditioning can only happen in late November-December.

Foothills Ryan

93.6
94
92.4
91.2
92.2
90.4

That’s would be Lincecum’s declining FB velocity. A betting man would wager next years avg. FB velocity is between 89 & 91. 90 on the button has the best odds.

http://www.thewisdomcow.blogspot.com The Wisdom Cow

CB The Dodgerh8ter,

“Congrats to the A’s. Any Giants fan that hates the A’s has a hole in their head.”

Most have five. So I agree, A giant fan that doesn’t hate the A’s must not be able to hear, speak or smell.

Bdub

Funny how the Giants considered Carlos Beltran too expensive. The Cardinals consider him a bargain by letting Pujols walk and signing Beltran at a fraction of the cost for arguably a top 3 OF in MLB this season. One man’s trash….

fuddyduddy

CU —
fair points, but I disagree with the opinion that Tim is underweight or out of shape or not fit

If it is a “fit shape” issue then other than endurance how can you explain how he can look fantastic on some occasions. He definitely hit consistently hit 94 on multiple occasions. The problems I see are lack of command. I think the obvious answer is that he in not in control of his mechanics. The pitches that are hit hard are in bad locations. Even Cain can throw pitches in bad locations. But Lincecum is throwing a lot more in bad locations.

If he can be fit enough to have great outings, why do many posts insist it a fit issue and/or lack of fast ball speed?

Foothills Ryan

With the exception of 2010, and those HRs, Beltrans #’s are actually down. Looking at RC+. Very productive hitter in decline phase. Let’s see what he has to offer postseason. I was a sign Beltran supporter.

Scott

Just got tix for the Saturday game. I am so stoked. My 9-year old son has been sleeping in his Buster Posey jersey for a week.

Now, I get to tell him we will be at AT&T for the Giants first playoff game…….priceless!!

Lefty

South City Jim says:
October 2nd, 2012 at 1:05 pm

Not to mention it now appears that the starting five will start 160 ballgames. Only been accomplished a handful of times.
——————————————————————
Funny you mentioned. Just read an article this morning about how Homer Bailey says his Reds are underrated, and one of his points was “We have five starters who’ve made more than 30 starts each. That hardly ever happens.” And I thought–wait–I’m sure our five guys have done that, too. And indeed they have. The high is Lincecum with 33 and the low is Vogey with 30, going for 31 tomorrow.

And yes, it really is a testament to the coaches and the conditioning staff. Not to mention the talent. You don’t stay in a major league rotation if you’re not good. (Unless you’re “not good” and you’re Tim Lincecum. But anyway.)

ClutchUp

fuddyduddy says: October 2nd, 2012 at 2:34 pm 98..CU — fair points, but I disagree with the opinion that Tim is underweight or out of shape or not fit

FDuddy: I actually DO agree with you.

I just think as 55 grows through his late 20′s that the same workout routine that made him stealth may have to be tweaked. Do I think he is fit? Of course based on what he and his personal Giants trainers have him on his structured program.

I’m just venturing off and surmising that “not being in control of his mechanics” – has some other relationship with – possibly his lower body workouts not his upper body workouts. Oswalts lower body looks like a College-NFL running back. We all know about other power pitchers lower bodies, Nolan and Clemens.

I think with 55′s $ that he will be diligent during the offseason and come up with a plan to reinvent and fix his lack of fast ball location command.

Lefty

Scott: That is awesome. Your son will never forget this. We scored tix to the 2002 pennant-winning game and took our two daughters, ages 13 and 8 at the time. It was definitely a great memory.

We have 49ers tickets on Sunday and I nabbed a hotel room for Saturday night near the airport so that we could get to the Stick quickly. Sooo tempted to get on StubHub and get tix for the Saturday night Giants’ game…

channelclemente

Foothills,

yep, and it sticks out even more when you look at the ranges on the successive years (high to low). Lincecum was actually humping it up at 98ish top end very early on in ’08, according to Pitch F/x, with his 4seam.

Scott

Go for it Lefty. You will kick yourself if you were right there and didn’t at least investigate getting tickets.

Lefty

Scott: I’ll discuss w/Mr. L. We got the Niners tix as a gift and are using Marriott points for the hotel, so maybe the $$ isn’t so bad…looks like you can get VR seats behind home plate for under $125 per. Not too bad. Even standing room tix are almost $100.

There’s also Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (free!) in Golden Gate Park that weekend…might just have to make a weekend of it.

El Lobo

As I mentioned earlier in the year, Timmy should really consider seeing Tom House in the offseason. I think he could use help with nutrition and conditioning, but mostly the mental side: getting his mojo back (which did improve immensely after the all star break). I credit a huge part of Zito’s success this year to House and his team. My only concern is that Timmy’s mechanics are so unique, I’m not sure that House could develop an overall plan that is based upon a volume of comparable data.

Lefty

El Lobo: That’s actually a good thought. I had my doubts when Zito was so awful in spring training, but he’s certainly turned things around this year.

Did you know House also worked with Drew Brees–turned his career around–and later Alex Smith (on Brees’s advice)?

That’s a pretty good list of references, I’d say.

Foothills Ryan

Lefty, you and the Mr. sure know how to have a good time. The Mrs. and I saw The Black Keys last night, but that’s about it for us going all crazy.

Go for it !

Help us with the mental imagery: If you are a 40 something Mila Kunis, what’s Mr. Lefty’s closest comp.

—

As for some guru named Tom House…

It sounds like a much better risk than giving up on Lincecum and sending him and 12 million in cash somewhere else. Unless of course he starts demanding a trade for some weird reason. But if Zito can have a Renaissance of sorts, I’m sure Lincecum could as well.

http://nada paul in p.v.

Clutch @71 – shoot I didn’t know that Pat Dobson passed – he was one funny dude. After 1971 he moved to the (pitiful) Padres and was in the bullpen for some reason – one foggy night at the Murph we were out in the bleachers and the manager got him warmed up around the 7th inning – then the opposing team scored and he sat down. Anyway the Pads started rallying in the bottom of the 8th and we caught Dobson in the pen, saying prayers that they wouldn’t score so he wouldn’t have to pitch in the 9th. You had to be there. ;o)

kyle Perizi

After Kevin Brown, Matt Latos is the 2nd best Giant killer of recent memory. The Reds should start Latos first and have him fresh for the probable game 5.

The emotional extremes that an MLB manager has to go through are palpable and are only amped up in the post season. I hope Dusty can get through it all unscathed and in good health.

Lefty

Foothills: If I look like Mila, then Mr. Lefty looks like Justin Timberlake. Who else?

And yes, we’re enjoying the empty-nest freedom to go do stuff after almost 24 straight years of kids at home. The youngest graduated high school in June and moved into an apartment with friends last month. Now our biggest logistical issue is who babysits the dog if we go away.

The other logistical issue is how to pay for all this fun with two kids in college. That’s why I’m still pondering about Giants’ playoff tickets for Saturday.

Mr. L., or “JT,” as I fondly call him, likes the Black Keys also. It sounds like the two of you have similar tastes in TV and music (and the Giants, of course!).

Keep’n It Real

Let’s not forget that the Giants had Latos’ number towards the end of his Padres career. Yes he did well against the Giants this year, but he can be rattled.

Wikipedia: He lost his last five starts, culminating with a 3–0 loss to the San Francisco Giants on October 3 that, combined with an Atlanta Braves win, eliminated the Padres from playoff contention.

El Lobo

Desire to eliminate Dodgers overcomes back spasms: Posey in the lineup today! I need all memories of 1993 final series vanquished.

Foothills Ryan

Don’t let Kyle manage the Reds. Sounds like he has the Giants #.

–

Lefty, I believe the Black Keys are in Sacramento next. They seriously put on a very loud, pulsating rock n roll show. They featured the 4 piece set with base and organ but played an even amount of the power duo that made their sound, so raw and signature. With apologies to the White Stripes of course. But it was a great show – lots of old material from the catalogue blended with the El Camino tracks. Word up to JT.

Lefty

Lineups are out. Posey at 1B and batting fourth. Belt and Crawford on bench. Nady in LF. Lefty starter (Capuano) for Bums tonight.

Lefty

Foothills: Thanks, I’ll check it out!

Other news: Posey is a finalist for NL Comeback Player of the Year with Adam LaRoche and Ryan Ludwick. What are those other two guys coming back from, exactly.

Two Giants made the list for the top-5 most ridiculous injuries in MLB this year. Affeldt’s “my kid hurt my knee” DL stint was #2. Huff was tied for #1 for hurting himself during the perfect game celebration–tied with former Giant Ramon Ramirez who hurt himself celebrating Johan Santana’s no-hitter.

Also on the list were Ryan Howard (broke his toe in the on-deck circle) and Josh Hamilton (missed critical September games because he made his latte a venti instead of a grande).

Lefty

P.S. It was Affeldt’s second year in a row on the list. The frozen hamburgers that landed him in emergency surgery was an obvious choice.

Lefties–what are you gonna do?

fuddyduddy

CUp,
thanks for 257 ++++, now I understand — went back and reread 222 (slower this time) and with the contents of both, we probably agree 99%
—-
a good night for baseball, Mom says I can watch on the big TV upstairs
—-
a new Progressive Ins ad has my doppelganger who the call Ken
has receding hairline
lives with Mom in basement
collects pot holders
——
speaking of TV, has anyone watched baseball in 3D? I thought it would be stupid, but saw 3D football at CostCo and was impressed

Andres The Forever Giant

Just to show we aren’t alone, Reds fans are grousing about Arroyo starting Game 2, wanting one of their hot hard throwers instead. Arroyo is just the kind of RH slop pitcher we have trouble with, like Harang last night!

ClutchUp

Lefty says: The high is Lincecum with 33 and the low is Vogey with 30, going for 31 tomorrow.

… and our Timmy has the lowest amount of innings for his amount of starts …